‘Dream come true’ – Mirabai Chanu reflects on maiden Asian Games medal
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Mirabai Chanu ended India’s weightlifting medal drought
Mirabai Chanu made history on Wednesday with a first medal at the Asian Games. The 32-year-old clinched silver in women’s 49kg category, with a total lift of 198kg at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center. It was also India’s first weightlifting medal at the continental games in 28 years.
Chanu, who recently completed a three-peat of gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, finished third in snatch with a best lift of 87kg. She then managed a best lift of 111kg in the clean and jerk, registering a total lift of 198kg.
She eventually finished second behind North Korea’s Ri Song Gum, who clinched the gold with a total lift of 210kg – a new World Record.
Also Read: Mirabai Chanu ends wait for maiden Asian Games medal; bags silver in 49kg weightlifting event
Despite this, Chanu’s achievement – her maiden medal in three Asian Games appearances – has ended India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal in the quadrennial tournament. The last Indian weightlifter to win an Asiad medal was Karnam Malleswari in 1998.
Mirabai Chanu reacts after historic silver
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Speaking to the media after her historic medal-winning performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, Chanu revealed her jubilation at clinching her maiden Asian Games medal. She had earlier competed in the 2014 and 2022 editions, missing out on a podium finish.
“I am very happy. I have been waiting for this day for many years. Today my dream has come true,” she told PTI. “There was pressure in my mind, but I believed that I had to bring home a medal.”
“Finally, I have won a medal. I am very happy that I have a silver,” she told IANS. “This is what I have been waiting for many years. This has been my dream since I started weightlifting. Today, I have finally got it!”
The latest medal win completes Chanu’s collection of medals from the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
What did Mirabai Chanu win at the Asian Games 2026?
She won a silver medal in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event.
How many Asian Games medals does Mirabai Chanu have?
She has won one Asian Games medal, a silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event at the Aichi-Nagoya Games 2026.
Who the last Indian to win a weightlifting medal at Asian Games before Mirabai Chanu?
The legendary Karnam Malleswari was the last to win a medal in weightlifting at the Asian Games before Mirabai Chanu’s feat. She bagged silver in 1994 and 1998 editions.
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